Admission to Teacher Education

Admission to Teacher Education is a formal process, representing the initial step towards becoming eligible for recommendation for an Iowa teaching license. All application materials are available from the Teacher Education Secretary. Program information and admission standards are also found in the Teacher Education Handbook. Applicants should note that admission to Teacher Education does not guarantee subsequent approval for Student Teaching. Approval for Student Teaching is a process separate from admission to Teacher Education.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

• 1. Pass CAAP test and submit a copy of the scores with application
• 2. Earn a GPA of 2.75 or higher with a grade of C or higher in all course work
• 3. Submit application (yellow form)
• 4. Submit formal essay (See Below)
• 5. Complete at least 10 hours of school-based experience
• 6. Submit a current copy of the University transcript
• 7. Obtain an average of 2.0 on Dispositions. Click here for a copy of the form.

CAAP Exam

The Iowa Department of Education requires satisfactory completion of a basic skills test to be admitted to a teacher preparation program in Iowa. UD has selected the CAAP test for admission to our program. Students must achieve a total cumulative score of 175 on this test with a minimum score of 55 on the reading and math tests, 60 on the writing test, and a 3.25 on the essay. The Praxis I test will be accepted for admission to the program for students who plan to teach in a state that requires the Praxis I for licensure or if a student has previously taken Praxis I and the scores meet the following criteria: a combined score of 522 with no single score lower than 170 on each test in reading, writing, and math. Test fees are the responsibility of the student.

FORMAL ESSAY

As a measure of the applicant's ability to express him/herself in writing, a formal essay will be required. Essays will be evaluated using the Teacher Education Writing Assessment Rubric. This essay must:

• Be composed clearly and correctly
• Contain a statement requesting admission to Teacher Education
• Be at least 4 pages in length
• Include factors influencing his/her decision to become a teacher
• Include the topics of diverse learners, dispositions of effective teachers, and theories of learning
• Include an explanation of previous teaching and related instructional experiences and the specific age groups involved
• Include a description of individual skills, abilities, and life experiences which showcase his/her potential to become an effective teacher

ACTIONS BY SCREENING COMMITTEE

The Screening Committee reviews all admission applications. Students will be notified in writing regarding their admission status. If there are any questions or concerns, contact (563) 589-3232.

Retention in Teacher Education

A student accepted into the Teacher Education Program is expected to exhibit a level of professionalism so as to reflect the mission and goals of the Teacher Education Program. A student's progress is continually monitored for retention in the Program based upon his/her ability to meet specified criteria which include:

1) Earning a grade of C or higher in all course work
2) Maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75
3) Demonstrating the ability or potential to work effectively in an educational setting
4) Successful demonstration of the competencies required in the Program